Discover a lighter twist on a Balkan classic with this Low Fat Cevapcici recipe, bursting with flavor and perfect for health-conscious food lovers. Made with a blend of lean ground beef and pork, this dish delivers all the smoky, garlicky goodness of traditional cevapcici without the guilt. The addition of baking soda and still water ensures a tender, juicy texture, while smoked paprika and black pepper create an irresistible depth of flavor. These small sausage-shaped bites are quick to prepare and grill, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or backyard barbeques. Serve them hot with fresh vegetables, flatbread, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce for a wholesome and delicious meal. Healthy, easy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings without compromising on nutrition!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef and lean ground pork.
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking soda to the meat mixture. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Slowly pour in the still water while continuing to mix. This will help moisten the mixture and ensure a tender texture.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor development.
After chilling, preheat your grill or a nonstick grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking and start shaping the meat mixture into small sausage-like logs, about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick.
Place the cevapcici on the preheated grill or pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning to cook evenly, until they're browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of fresh vegetables or flatbread. Optionally, serve with yogurt-based sauce or ajvar on the side.
Calories |
1376 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.6 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.3 g | 146% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 408 mg | 136% | |
| Sodium | 4196 mg | 182% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 125.6 g | 251% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 59 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 882 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.